Organizers said the awardees will also be presented with plaques and cash amounting to P300,000 each during the 47th anniversary celebration of the Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company on Sept. 4 at the Metrobank Plaza in Makati City.

Eight public school teachers -- four each from the elementary and secondary levels -- and two professors from the University of the Philippines-Diliman and University of San Carlos in Cebu emerged as winners in this year?s competition.

In the 25-year history of the annual search, Dasmariñas, Cavite; Olongapo City; Tulunan, North Cotabato; and Leganes, Iloilo produced their first awardees in 2009.

The four awardees for the elementary level are: Mrs. Lourdes L. Matan of Mag-Ubay Elementary School in Calbayog City; Mrs. Gemma G. Cortez of Dasmariñas Elementary School in Dasmariñas, Cavite; Benjamin M. Martinez of San Sebastian Elementary School in Tarlac City; and Mrs. Eva B. Imingan of Nellie E. Brown Elementary School in Olongapo City.

The awardees for the secondary level are: Ms. Shena Faith M. Ganela of Philippine Science High School-Western Visayas Campus in Iloilo City; Mrs. Rochelle D. Papasin of Philippine Science High School-Southern Mindanao Campus in Davao City; Mrs. Ma. Petra A. Romualdo of Minapan High School in Tulunan, Cotabato; and Zoilo J. Pinongcos Jr. of Leganes National High School in Leganes, Iloilo.

For the higher education level, the awardees are: Dr. Dina Joana S. Ocampo of the University of the Philippines-Diliman; and Dr. Ramon S. Del Fierro of University of San Carlos in Cebu City.

?The Metrobank Foundation believes that by giving recognition to the outstanding qualities, achievements and contributions of our beloved educators, we promote a sense of pride in and provide inspiration to the teaching profession and to the rest of the society,? said Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto M. Sobrepeña.

?For over 25 years, we have envisioned our awardees to serve as infrastructure for continuing excellence and to provide greater impact on their respective spheres of influence,? added Sobrepeña, who is former Presidential Management Staff head (1986-1992).

The winners were selected from 173 nominees coming from various public and private educational institutions in the country, of which 40 qualified as regional finalists.

The regional finalists underwent interviews and teaching demonstrations before the members of the preliminary board of judges identified for each category, of which 20 were selected to become the national finalists.

The national finalists then faced the Final Board of Judges for this year?s Search co-chaired by Supreme Court Associate Justice Teresita Leonardo De Castro and Muntinlupa City Rep. Rozzano Rufino B. Biazon.

This year?s winners will join the rank of 276 outstanding teachers who have been honored by the Foundation for the last 24 years.

They automatically become members of the Network of Outstanding Teachers and Educators or NOTED, an honor society of outstanding teachers committed to nurturing a culture of excellence and service among educators through professional development, publications, research, and advocacy in active partnership with government and non-government organizations.

Now on its 25th year, the Search bestows honor upon the teaching profession by according special recognition to teachers who manifest profound commitment to the development of the youth through exemplary competence, remarkable dedication to their work, and an effective educational leadership.

The Metrobank Foundation is the corporate social responsibility arm of the Metrobank Group of Companies chaired by Dr. George S.K. Ty.

Over the last 30 years, it has promoted a culture of excellence among Filipinos through its various programs notably the Search for Outstanding Teachers, the Metrobank Art and Design Excellence, The Outstanding Philippine Soldier, Country?s Outstanding Policemen in Service, the Metrobank Math Challenge, and College Scholarship Program.

The Foundation also has a grants program that assists NGOs and government in the fields of education, healthcare, and the arts.